Maldives to ban single-use plastics in schools

Students pose for picture with a banner after exploring a reef under the “Farukoe” initiative. PHOTO/EDUCATION MINISTRY

The Maldives announced Tuesday that it will be enforcing a ban on single-use plastics in all schools beginning next week.

According to a spokesperson from the Ufaa Office operated under the Ministry of Education, students and staff would be prohibited from taking single-use plastics such as plastic bottles and bags to schools once the ban comes into effect.

“Though single-use plastics are to be banned, students can take lunch boxes and water bottles,” said the spokesperson, noting that some schools have already taken the initiative to ban plastics.

This ban in schools is being implemented under the ministry’s “Farukoe” project initiative, which is conducted by Moodhu Bulhaa Dive Centre in conjunction with local NGO Save the Beach.